We make the present progressive by using a form of the verb be in the present tense, followed by the main verb with nd -ing ending, for example, I am writing, you are waiting.
The present progressive tense is used in the following ways:
(1) To talk about something which is happening at the time you are speaking or writing. The words and phrases which are used in this tense:
1 - now
2 - at the moment ( = now)
3 - currently
(Example)
(1) My father is watching TV.
(2) My mother is sleeping.
(3) It's raining again.
(4) I am looking for my glasses.
(2) To say that something is happening now, but will continue for a limited period of time.
(Example)
(1 - 1) We live in Iran. ( = "Iran" is our permanent home)
(1 - 2) We are living in Turkey. ( = "We" are living there for a limited period of time)
(2 - 1) He cooks his own meals. ( = "he" always does it)
(2 - 2) He's cooking his own meals. ( = "he" does not usually do it)
(NOTE) If you want to talk about the subjects you are studying at school or university, you usually use the present progressive.
(Example)
(1) She's studying law at Harvard. (NOT) she studies law at Harvard.
(2) I'm studying English. (NOT) I study English.
(NOTE) Following verbs cannot be used in the progressive format. Verbs which express a situation or process, rather than describing definite action, are not usually used in the progressive.
be, have, see, believe, like, agree, know, love, disagree, recognize, hate, mean, remember, prefer, need, understand, want, deserve, wish, belong
(Example)
(1) I know the answer. (NOT) I am knowing the answer.
(2) She understands me. (NOT) She is understanding me.
